The Sycamore Lace Bug, Corythucha ciliata (Say)

The sycamore lace bug, Corythucha ciliata (Say) (Fig. 1) is a native North American insect that feeds on sycamore trees (Platanus spp., especially Platanus occidentalis L.). The bugs feed on the undersides of the leaves, initially causing a white stippling that can eventually progress into chlorotic or bronzed foliage and premature senescence of leaves (Fig. 2). In cases of severe infestations, trees may be defoliated in late summer. Several consecutive years of severe lace bug damage, combined with other stress factors, may kill the trees (Barnard and Dixon 1983). Heavy infestations are more common in urban areas than in natural settings. Damage is’ more severe during dry weather (Filer et al. 1977).

The sycamore lace bug occurs throughout the eastern USA and in eastern Canada. In most years, it is common in most of the places that sycamores grow in Florida. The sycamore lace bug was discovered in Europe in 1964 in Padova, Italy. Since that time, it has spread through much of southern and central Europe (d’ Aguilar et al. 1977). In northern Italy, the sycamore lace bug is associated with two fungi, Ceratocystis fimbriata Ellis and Haist. forma platani J.M. Walter and Apiognomonia (=Gnomonia) veneta (Sacc. and Spreg.), which, in combination with the lace bug, cause decline and death of the trees. It is suspected that the lace bugs may serve as vectors for these fungi (Maceljski 1986).